From Fire to Light: Illuminating the Archaeological Past

This editorial introduces a special issue that explores the role of fire and light in human history and archaeology. Directed by M.A. Medina-Alcaide, C. Ferrier, B. Rueff, and S. Vandevelde, this volume highlights the multifaceted uses of fire, ranging from practical applications to symbolic significance. It explores anthropological and archaeological perspectives on the cultural and technological aspects of fire and lighting. The emerging field of pyroarchaeology, employing experimental methodologies, archaeometry, and cutting-edge technologies, has made substantial progress. However, the study of light, an intangible and ephemeral entity, remains relatively underexplored. The editorial proposes the establishment of a specialized branch in archaeology to delve deeper into the role of light in the past.This proposal emerged from the “From Fire to Light” session conducted at the 28th Annual Meeting of the EAA (Budapest 2022), which aimed to stimulate discussions, synergies, and collaborations among experts from diverse scientific fields and different historical periods. The issue compiles a range of scholarly contributions that explore the archaeological implications of fire and light. It underscores the significance of this research area for understanding the cultural evolution and technological development of humanity throughout history.